Philadelphia pop-punkers Grayscale, who recently signed to LA label Anchor Eighty Four, recently released their latest EP, ‘Change,’ as a taster towards what’s to come from their debut full-length ‘What We’re Missing’ due to be released this summer. ‘Change’ is an outstanding, emotional and raw EP showcasing the pure talent of all 5 members of the band, but this EP is emotionally significant for vocalist Collin Walsh who received devastating news during recording.
Walsh’s house burned down whilst the band were in the studio and he channelled his emotions into mainly creating the second track off the EP, ‘Say Something.’ What was once a house full of memories and belongings became empty and desolate and it’s clear Walsh drew on this experience to write lyrics such as “say anything that’ll make this okay” and “I hate that you’ll never remember us dancing in the living room”, but musically, it’s not so obvious. The song is upbeat and catchy filled with little quirks that make Grayscale unique, such as the layered twinkly and light guitar riffs and drummer Nick Veno’s intricate style of pop-punk drumming.
The third track ‘Bloom’ begins with chugging guitars and a steady beat before launching into a chorus full of layered guitars, creating a full sound that pulls your focus into picking apart the layers and sounds. A little later in the song the pace slows down and the main focus becomes a catchy bass line and lyrics of “I’m nothing to you, I’m nothing to me” that make you want to sing along, tap your feet and nod your head. ‘Bloom’ is definitely one of the best songs on ‘Change’ as it shows the musical talent of each individual member of Grayscale through moments where a musician and his instrument shine, combined with their ability to create layered and packed chorus’ mixed with brilliantly diverse vocals to provide memorable melodies and hooks.
Final track on the EP ‘The Old Apartment’, a cover of a Barenaked Ladies song, sounds like it could be an old 90’s/early 2000’s punk rock track by a band such as Good Charlotte or Blink 182, with a modern day Grayscale twist. The band took the melody and some riffs from the original song and combined it with fuller guitars and dreamier riffs as well as Collin Walsh’s modern day soft and distinct vocals to make it their own.
If you enjoy Grayscale, or just pop-punk in general, hold out for their anticipated full-length debut ‘What We’re Missing’. If ‘Change’ is just a teaser, ‘What We’re Missing’ is going to be an extremely promising debut.
OLIVIA DYTOR